What are the best rugged and durable earbuds & IEMs that last?

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score 17 · Accepted Answer

1more Triple Driver

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Top Pro

Made mostly of metal

These in-ears incorporate a lot of metal in the build, with the earpieces, the in-line remote as well as the 3.5mm plug predominantly made out of metal. This gives the headphones nice heft and a quality feel. See More

Top Con

Highs can get too harsh

The highs sound amazing usually. But on tracks that have a lot of cymbals and other high-pitched sounds, these frequencies can get quite harsh. See More

Specs

Weight:18 g

Frequency Response:20 Hz - 40,000 Hz

Connectivity:Wired ( 3.5mm )

Splash Resistant:No

See All Specs

Top Pro

Cable is durable and does not tangle easily

The headphone cable is covered by a fabric sleeve. Not only does this make the cable look and feel expensive, but this also adds to the cable's durability. This also helps prevent the cable from tangling easily. See More

Top Pro

Crisp and airy highs with punchy and deep bass

There are two balanced armature drivers which handle the production of high frequencies, resulting in highs that are really detailed and have a lot of sparkle and detail to them. The 2 BA drivers are complemented by a dynamic driver (hence the triple driver designation) which handles the mids and the lower frequencies. Mids are smooth and clear while the bass is powerful yet at the same time is well controlled. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to wear for extended periods

The earpieces' tips are slightly angled and allows for a more comfortable, deeper and more secure fit in the ears. See More

Top Pro

Easy control of smartphone/music player functions

The inline remote has a metal casing with three buttons that allow you to control tracks, respond to calls as well as adjust the volume. The remote is compatible with Android and iOS devices. See More

Top Pro

You can take calls while using these

The in-line microphone allows you to take calls without having to disconnect these headphones. Microphone sound is rich and has good clarity. See More

Top Pro

Includes lots of accessories

Along with the headphones, you also get silicone and foam ear tips in multiple sizes, a leather carrying case as well as an airplane adapter. These are functional accessories that definitely add a lot of value to the overall package. See More

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The Best 1 of 16 OptionsWhy?

My Recommendation for 1more Triple Driver

My Recommendation for 1more Triple Driver

Made mostly of metal

Highs can get too harsh

Cable is durable and does not tangle easily

Crisp and airy highs with punchy and deep bass

Comfortable to wear for extended periods

Easy control of smartphone/music player functions

You can take calls while using these

Includes lots of accessories

15 Other Options Considered

My Recommendation for Marshall Mode

My Recommendation for Marshall Mode

Great sound for the price

Single button remote

Lightweight and comfortable

Many ear tips to choose from

My Recommendation for Shure SE215

My Recommendation for Shure SE215

Fantastic sound isolation to block out unwanted noise

Need some time getting used to

Comfortable once you get used to them

Inline mic and volume controls cost an extra $50

Rich, full sound

Outstanding build quality makes them long lasting

Thick, replaceable cable

Amazing

Will stay in place in the ears

Two year limited warranty

My Recommendation for JBuds J4

My Recommendation for JBuds J4

Durable Kevlar-reinforced flat cables with strain relief

Heavy wires generate noise

Heavy-duty aluminum housing

Significant defect rate

Detailed sounding highs with punchy bass

No volume control

A good number of accessories are bundled

My Recommendation for Jabra VOX

My Recommendation for Jabra VOX

Handles music with deep bass exceptionally well

Bass heavy

Tangle resistant

App includes equalizer and Dolby sound enhancement

Tested against 33lbs of pull force

My Recommendation for Sennheiser IE 800

My Recommendation for Sennheiser IE 800

Good durability with scratch resistance

Y-split connection can pull down the earpieces

Oxygen-free, kevlar-reinforced copper cable

Does not come with an in-line microphone/remote

Good noise isolation

Headphone cable is not completely removable

Ear tips provide a good seal

No bass distortion at any volume

Fantastic listening experience

My Recommendation for Klipsch Image S4i Rugged

My Recommendation for Klipsch Image S4i Rugged

Crisp treble and solid bass

Controls are designed for Apple products

Clear call quality

Numerous controls accessed with 3 buttons

Very secure fit

Built for outdoor and sports use

My Recommendation for Sennheiser IE80

My Recommendation for Sennheiser IE80

Built to last you a long time

Replacement cables are expensive as well

Audiophile-grade sound quality

Rather expensive

Comfortable for extended periods of time

Solid noise isolation

If something happens to the cable, you can replace it rather than buy a new pair

My Recommendation for VJJB V1 V1S

My Recommendation for VJJB V1 V1S

Great sound for the price

They don't handle water or sweat well

Very comfortable for everyday/casual use

Not a good option to use for exercising.